UNC GM Michael Lombardi Makes Decision to Resign Following Investigation

North Carolina Tar Heels general manager Michael Lombardi is resigning from his position following an internal investigation. Lombardi had been placed on paid leave as he was investigated after a former staff member filed a human resources complaint. 

Lombardi was the highest-paid general manager in college football, making $1.5 million per year and helping the team under head coach Bill Belichick.

He will now leave the position, and the Tar Heels will be without a general manager for the 2026 season.

“If UNC had grounds to fire Michael for cause, they wouldn’t need to conduct such a far-ranging, lengthy witch hunt. They would have done so by now,” Lombardi's lawyer Tom Mars previously told The Athletic. “I think the motive behind the investigation goes further than a $1.5 million buyout. After all, UNC could fire Michael (or the athletic director or any head coach) for no reason at all just by paying their buyout. In today’s world, $1.5 million is just a drop in the bucket, so there must be other reasons behind this multimillion-dollar investigation.”

Lombardi was not fired or bought out by the Tar Heels; he ultimately chose to resign as general manager.

Lombardi and Belichick had a disappointing first season at North Carolina as they both transitioned from previous roles in the NFL. The Tar Heels finished with a 4-8 record and lost their final three games of the 2025 season.

The disappointing product on the field, coupled with the controversy off the field, made for a rough first year under Belichick, who is one of the greatest coaches in football history.

However, the controversy surrounding Lombardi didn't bleed into the team's play in the first game of the 2026 season as North Carolina came away with a 15-10 win over TCU. 

It was a pivotal start to the season for Belichick's team and could get them on track for a winning season.

The Tar Heels will look to put this controversy behind them and build on their opening-week win as they head into a matchup against East Tennessee State on Saturday, September 12th.